"I believe that they will have an opportunity to really send a verdict to the Liberal party for their handling of the Atcon scandal, for the $70 million that New Brunswick taxpayers have lost," he said.

The most recent Corporate Research Associates political poll had the Liberals leading in popular support in New Brunswick but in a three-way race with Alward’s Tories and Dominic Cardy’s New Democratic Party.

The Tories have 42 seats in the 55-seat legislature and the Liberals have 12.

Campaigning has started

Former premier Shawn Graham officially resigned as the Liberal MLA for Kent on March 11. (CBC)

The Tories will hold a nominating convention for the byelection on March 20.

Alward said his party is not going back on its word by running a candidate in the upcoming byelection.

The Tories offered to stay out of the way if a Liberal member quit to allow Gallant to get into the legislature, he said.

Graham didn't quit for that reason, so the offer doesn't apply, Alward said.

"It's clear Shawn Graham had to step down with the scandal associated with Atcon. We believe the people of Kent have an opportunity to have their voice heard from all parties."

Graham announced he was leaving politics following a scathing reporting by the province’s conflict-of-interest commissioner. Ryan ruled Graham had been in a conflict in regards to the Atcon file and said he should be fined $3,500.

The eastern New Brunswick riding of Kent has been one of the safest seats for the Liberals for decades.

It has been held by Graham since 1998 when he won a byelection following the retirement of his father, Alan, who had represented the riding since 1967.